A Non-Migratory, Non-Diapausing Population of the Monarch Butterfly, Danas Plexippus (Lepidoptera: Danaidae), in Bermuda

Daniel J. Hilburn

Abstract

A non-migratory, non-diapausing population of the monarch butterfly, Danadus plexippus L. (Lepidoptera: Danaidae), became established on Bermuda after the precolonial cedar/palmetto forest was opened up by settlers. As part of the Bermuda Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Monarch Conservation Project, 703 monarchs were tagged to gather information on their distribution and movements. One hundred sixty-nine recoveries were made, 96% at the same site at which the butterfly was first captured. Twenty-three individuals were recaptured two or more times. Adult resident monarchs in Bermuda live about 3 to 4 weeks in summer, but up to 13 weeks in winter. They tend to remain near or return continually to a few large milkweed patches. Males spend more time at these sites than females.